MedGlobal Calls for Increased Humanitarian Aid to

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 10, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT: Logan Bayroff, West End Strategy Team

[email protected]; 516-965-5159

MedGlobal Calls for Increased Humanitarian Aid to the Whole of Syria Amidst Transformative Developments 

International humanitarian aid organization MedGlobal has provided critical medical aid in Syria since 2017; remains committed to addressing urgent healthcare needs in the face of escalating insecurity

As Syria undergoes a monumental political transition following the collapse of the Assad government, MedGlobal anticipates major ongoing humanitarian needs for the foreseeable future. The international humanitarian community will need to address the disruption of health services, the accelerated return of refugees and internally displaced people to their cities and villages, and the severe shortage of medical supplies, medications, and medical equipment in public hospitals throughout Syria. Over the past decade, the war in Syria has brought the public health system near collapse – and tremendous efforts will now be needed to help restore it.

Syrian-American Dr. Zaher Sahloul is the president and co-founder of MedGlobal. He is the past president of the Syrian-American Medical Society, co-founded the American Relief Coalition for Syria, and has received numerous awards honoring his humanitarian work in the country.  

Dr. Sahloul issued the following statement on the momentous events in Syria:

“The fall of the Assad regime is a moment of significant and transformative political and historical change. While this turns a page in the history of the Syrian people, it is also a reminder of the immense suffering, destruction, displacement, and oppression they have endured over the course of many years. The healthcare system is near collapse. Health facilities have been devastated, millions have been displaced, and so many are in dire need of medical care and humanitarian support. 

As large populations of displaced people remain on the move within the country and many refugees are expected to return, the Syrian people will need and must receive sustained international support to help them overcome these struggles and chart a course toward a better future. Humanitarian efforts must be directed to support all hospitals and restore medical care capacity throughout Syria.” 

Dr. Sahloul has led more than 25 medical missions to Syria over the past 13 years. “There is an urgent need to remove any sanction or obstacles that may impede lifesaving humanitarian and medical support,” he said. 

MedGlobal urges the international community to increase humanitarian assistance and help rebuild Syria’s shattered healthcare infrastructure – and is prepared to play a significant role in this critical effort. A systematic approach to remapping resources and services will be critical in ensuring that returnees and all Syrians have adequate access to healthcare and nutrition support. 

Dr. Zaher Sahloul is available for interviews about the events in Syria, the humanitarian challenges there, and his perspective as a Syrian-American with decades of experience providing direct humanitarian support in the country. 

Contact Logan Bayroff at [email protected] to arrange an interview. 

###

MedGlobal is a humanitarian nonprofit organization that provides emergency response and health programs to build resilience among vulnerable communities around the world.